Speech Pathology around the World-England

Since our beloved Speechie Jenna Butterworth recently left the clinic to prepare for her adventures as a Speech Pathologist in the UK, I thought I would take the time to do a UK edition of Speech Pathology around the World.

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is the governing body that provides leadership and sets the professional standards for speech and language pathologists in the UK. RCSLT was established on the 6th of January 1945 to promote the art and science of speech and language therapy which encompasses the care of individuals with communication, swallowing, eating and drinking difficulties.

The History behind the RCSLT

The College of Speech Therapists (CST) formed from the union of the Association of Speech Therapists and British Society of Speech Therapists in 1944. This new body aimed to unite all members of the profession in order to:

Promote research into the field of speech and language therapy in the UK

Promote better education and training of speech and language therapists and provide relevant information to all their members about speech pathology

Seek improvement and maintain a high standard of knowledge

Increase public awareness and knowledge about the field of speech pathology in the UK

The official title for the profession in the UK changed from speech therapist to speech language therapist in 1990. Later in 1995 the college was awarded the right call to itself The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

King George VI became the College’s first Royal Patron in 1948 after receiving speech and therapy for his stutter. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, continued this support after his death in 1952 and become the college’s patron in 1959. In 2003, the Countess of Wessex is the current RCSLT patron following the Queen Mother’s passing in 2002.

About Ashleigh Fattah

Ashleigh Fattah is a Speech Pathologist who sees both children and adults. She has experience from a Master of Speech and Language Pathology degree and a spectrum of clinical environments including private practice, inpatient and outpatient hospitals school and community based practice.

Ashleigh is committed to providing evidence-based interventions for children and adults alike, tailoring therapy to each client’s individual needs. Her clinical experience enables her to provide comprehensive one-on-one, group and school program interventions. Ashleigh is trained in providing an array of up-to-date therapy techniques to help both children and adults achieve their goals.